Morus alba var. laevigata Kings White - Mullberry

Morus alba 'King's White' is a rare cultivar of White Mulberry, valued for its productivity, large-sized pale fruits, and good taste. It is an original fruit tree and also serves as an excellent shade tree due to its dense and luxuriant deciduous foliage, which is light green before turning golden yellow in autumn. Mature specimens often have a hollow, twisted trunk. The fruits are harvested from spring to summer when they become almost white and slightly translucent. They are juicy and sweet, with a hint of honey. Very hardy, and resistant to heat and drought. It has a strong root system and prefers deep, well-drained soils. Its leaves have been used as food for silkworms since time immemorial.

'King's White' belongs to the Moraceae family. Depending on the nomenclature, it is called Morus macroura, Morus alba var. laevigata, or Morus laevigata. This Mulberry is native to the Indian Himalayas and Pakistan but is cultivated elsewhere. In the wild, it can be found up to 1700m (5577ft) in altitude, making it a very cold-resistant species. Like all trees in the Moraceae family, it produces latex in its tissues. The White Mulberry was introduced to France at the end of the 15th century, which led to the development of sericulture.

'King's White' is a tree with a stout appearance, possessing a short and thick trunk topped with a slightly irregular spreading crown if not pruned. It is more commonly seen shaped into a rounded and compact head after pruning. Its growth is rapid during the first few years, then slows down. It can reach 10m (33ft) in all directions. Its bark is light grey and cracks to become thicker, eventually turning grey-brown. The deciduous leaves are polymorphous, meaning their appearance can vary depending on their position on the branches. They measure 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, 10 to 20cm (4 to 8in) in length, and are alternate, petiolate, either simple and cordate or divided into 3 to 7 more or less deep lobes with irregularly toothed margins. The shiny upper surface of the leaf is light green, turning golden yellow in autumn. It develops male or female flowers in different locations on the same tree in March-April. Its insignificant flowering consists of male or female catkins composed of tiny green-yellow flowers. In June-July, the female flowers produce fleshy fruits, measuring up to 10 m (4in) in length. They change colour from green to pale-yellow and nearly white when ripe. They are edible for humans but also highly sought after by birds. The root system of this tree, both taproot and lateral roots, does not tolerate transplanting well. Its strength means it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings. Its lifespan can reach or even exceed 150 years.

'King's White' thrives in fertile, well-worked, and well-drained soil in a warm and sunny location. It tolerates pollution but dislikes coastal areas and salt spray. Neglected soils benefit from its presence as its leaves gradually enrich the soil each autumn. Traditionally used as a street tree, it can also be planted in a fruit hedge, for example, alongside blackthorns, mirabelle plums, medlars, viburnums, and cornus, to the delight of birds. It can be a beautiful specimen planted alone in the middle of a lawn or near a patio to provide beneficial shade in summer, especially since its fruits do not stain the ground. It is also useful on slopes to combat soil erosion. Its leaves serve as food for silkworms, and it tolerates pruning very well.

The fruits are consumed fresh or cooked. They are much sweeter than the fruits of black mulberry. They are used to make jams and jellies or to garnish pies. They add a touch of sweetness to summer salads and fruit salads. Their flavour pairs well with blackberries (wild blackberry or garden blackberry) and stone fruits such as apricots, plums, and peaches. Those who enjoy sweet and savoury combinations can use them to accompany pork, duck, or game. They also go well with basil, mint, baking spices, rocket, cream, mascarpone, and citrus fruits.